America is getting older. The demographic shift has started and yet we continue to kick the can down the road and not give it the appropriate attention and support. Older adults age 60+ will soon make up 25% of our population. They are living longer than past generations and will require care for longer.
An alarming number of older adults are economically insecure, and notably wide gaps exist by race and education level. The costs of health care and other services critical to their well-being at the federal, county and city level are insufficient and will only get worse. There are signs that adults currently in their 40’s and 50’s will be less healthy when they turn 65 than today’s older adults.
A major focus of NewBridge is to provide health and wellness programs and activities for lower income older adults in Madison. We strive to help them stay heathier longer and lessen the cost to society in the long-term.
We greatly appreciate all the individual donations we receive, as well as the governmental, corporate and foundation funding and support from United Way. Unfortunately, the support for older adult services in our community falls far short of what is needed. Grant and sponsorship opportunities are significantly unbalanced in favor of other areas of interest.
A glaring example of this may occur beginning in 2025. The City of Madison will expand the number of agencies providing activities and services for BIPOC older adults. Something long overdue. However, the city is taking funding from one area of need and giving it to another instead of adding funding for older adult services. This shift of current funding will greatly reduce/eliminate important services currently received by the aging population from our agency. Help us increase funding for older adult services in the community.
